WHAT TO DO: Aer Lingus latest destination Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Travellers arriving in what is known as the Research Triangle can expect a blend of history, nature, and culture in Raleigh and Durham, where key attractions offer accessible ways to explore the region’s character.

Durham grew from a 19th-century rail stop into a tobacco processing centre, later shifting toward universities and research facilities. Connected by highways and greenways, the two cities are easily reached from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, making exploration straightforward.

Visitors can anticipate free entry to many museums, affordable dining with local barbecue and craft brews, and walkable downtowns in both Raleigh and Durham. Outdoor spaces cater to those seeking calm trails or water activities, while cultural sites provide insight into the region’s past and present.

In Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences draws visitors with its displays of dinosaur skeletons and local wildlife, spread across two buildings with hands-on exhibits. Nearby, the North Carolina Museum of History covers centuries of state life through artefacts like early farm tools and textiles.
Pullen Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, offers a 1911 carousel, train rides, and paddle boats on a small lake.
The North Carolina Museum of Art combines indoor galleries of European and American works with an outdoor park featuring sculptures and walking trails.
For nature, William B. Umstead State Park provides miles of paths through forests and along streams, ideal for hiking or quiet picnics.
In Durham, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens span 55 acres of landscaped beds and ponds, with paths winding past seasonal blooms.
The Museum of Life and Science features outdoor animal habitats, including bears and lemurs, alongside indoor exhibits on weather and physics.
The American Tobacco Campus, a repurposed factory complex, houses shops and eateries in red-brick buildings, with open courtyards for relaxed strolls.
The Duke Lemur Center, accessible by guided tour, showcases over 200 primates in natural settings.
The American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile paved route, links both cities for cycling or walking through woods and fields.